Business Leader Julio Almanza Killed in Matamoros

Julio Cesar Almanza Armas, a prominent business leader in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, was shot dead by gunmen shortly after voicing concerns about cartel extortion in Mexico. His murder highlights the increasing threat of organized crime, which has begun to impact even large corporations like Femsa, leading to the closure of 191 convenience stores in Nuevo Laredo due to extortion demands. Almanza described businesses in Tamaulipas as 'hostages to extortion demands' during his last public appearances, underscoring the pervasive violence and corruption in the region. The killing prompted criticism of the government's inadequate response to cartel violence, with state officials initially downplaying the incident. Femsa's corporate affairs director revealed that gang members have resorted to kidnapping employees to enforce their demands, further illustrating the dire situation faced by businesses. The recent spate of violence against outspoken business leaders raises serious concerns about the safety of those challenging cartel influence in Mexico.